Change in non-cash working capital balances related to operations (Details) - CAD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net	$ 32	$ (61)	$ 27
Materials and supplies	(14)	(15)	(8)
Other current assets	24	(5)	(24)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(108)	(308)	(21)
Change in non-cash working capital	$ (66)	$ (389)	$ (26)

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the amounts payable to vendors for goods and services received and the amount of obligations and expenses incurred but not paid.

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3602-108585

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Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in amount due within one year (or one business cycle) from customers for the credit sale of goods and services.

+ References

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the period in the carrying amount of capitalized costs of materials, supplies, or both, which are not included in inventory.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=123570139&loc=d3e3602-108585

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- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) in current assets classified as other.

+ References

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) in current operating assets after deduction of current operating liabilities classified as other.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherCurrentAssetsAndLiabilitiesNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

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Balance Type:	na
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